SDSU football: The Aztecs' third-quarter report card

But, more importantly, instead of costing his team games, Marden is now keeping his team in games. His 35-yarder to force the tie as time expired against Nevada is a kick Aztecs fans will remember for a while. Oh, and he’s also demonstrated range by making a 46-yarder against Nevada. How’s that for kicking prowess?

Now that McMorrow has gotten used to the college game, the Aztecs are also flourishing on kickoffs and punts and he’s becoming a weapon in his own right. Five of his last eight punts have fallen inside the opponent’s 20, with two more going for touchbacks. On average, the Aztecs' last three opponents have started their offensive drives from the about 25-yard line, which gives them a much longer field.

As Colorado State’s Thomas Coffman showed with his 73-yard scamper, however, the Aztecs are still susceptible to the occasional long return on kickoffs.

SDSU’s special teams in the national rankings (previous ranking from Week 6 in parentheses):